common ground is found

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "common ground is found" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of reaching mutual understanding or agreement between different parties or perspectives. Example: "After hours of discussion, it became clear that common ground is found between the two opposing viewpoints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Still, they are contemptuous of backroom deals, and that is how, unfortunately, common ground is found.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Preparations for Seattle started late and little common ground was found.

The Economist

Common ground was found on disaster management, tourism, trade, the environment and ageing societies.

The Economist

Though Mr. Lockhart would not address the substantive issues discussed during the meeting today, the first face-to-face encounter between Mr. Clinton and Mr. Assad in more than five years, it appeared clear from the spokesman's terse comments that almost no common ground was found on any issue.

The New York Times

"A lot of common ground was found.

BBC

What's interesting, however, is that despite all those differences, common ground was found in quite a few cases.

Huffington Post

The two Prime Ministers' talks were largely unproductive, and little common ground was found before Smith flew home on 12 October.

Wikipedia

Finding common ground is what I find most gratifying.

Huffington Post

With newspapers in decline and traditional radio and television news audiences shrinking, common ground is harder to find.

The Economist

For example, the question of allocating a larger share of the government budget to health is something where common ground is more difficult to find.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

That Mr. Obama and Mr. Singh have found common ground is perhaps less of a surprise.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "common ground is found" to emphasize the process of achieving agreement, rather than the state of agreement itself. It suggests effort and discovery.

Common error

Avoid using "common ground is found" when you should emphasize who found it. Instead of "common ground is found", specify who found it: "they found common ground".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common ground is found" typically functions as a declarative statement indicating that a shared basis for agreement or understanding has been established. It's often used in contexts involving negotiations, discussions, or conflict resolution, as suggested by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "common ground is found" signifies the achievement of shared understanding or agreement, often after negotiation or discussion. Ludwig confirms it as grammatically correct, though relatively rare. Its primary function is to report the establishment of a shared basis, typically in neutral contexts like news and media. While alternatives such as "agreement has been reached" or "consensus has emerged" exist, this phrase emphasizes the process of finding that commonality. Remember to specify who found the common ground for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

agreement has been reached

Focuses on the outcome of finding common ground: an agreement.

common understanding has been reached

Another phrase to specify an understanding reached by both parties

consensus has emerged

Highlights the gradual development of a shared opinion.

a compromise was reached

Emphasizes the element of give-and-take in achieving common ground.

mutual understanding was established

Stresses the cognitive aspect of shared comprehension.

differences were reconciled

Highlights the resolution of conflicting opinions.

a shared perspective developed

Focuses on the creation of a common viewpoint.

meeting of minds occurred

More metaphorical, suggesting a convergence of thought.

points of agreement were identified

Emphasizes the active process of discovering shared beliefs.

a resolution was achieved

Focuses on resolving a disagreement or conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "common ground is found" in a sentence?

Use "common ground is found" to describe situations where different parties have successfully identified shared interests or beliefs, leading to an agreement or understanding. For example: "After a lengthy negotiation, "common ground is found" on environmental regulations".

What can I say instead of "common ground is found"?

You can use alternatives like "agreement has been reached", "consensus has emerged", or "mutual understanding was established" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "common ground was found" or "common ground is found"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "Common ground was found" describes a past event, while ""common ground is found"" can be used to express a general truth or a present realization. Choose the tense that best fits the timing of the action.

What does it mean when "common ground is found"?

When ""common ground is found"", it signifies that despite initial differences, parties have discovered shared beliefs, values, or goals that allow them to work together or come to an understanding. This often leads to compromise and resolution.